A family of five was left trapped at the top of an adventure park Ferris wheel as staff switched off the lights and started closing up.

Darren and Lynzie Riggs-Long, of north London, say their kids have suffered nightmares after the ordeal at Adventure Island in Southend, Essex.

Mr Riggs-Long, 38, said: ‘We couldn’t believe it. We were at the top of the wheel when the lights went out and staff started shutting the lights down on all the rides just before 10pm. It was cold and really dark.’

The stranded guests claim they were left swinging in the wind for around 15 minutes, but the park said in a statement it was no more than three minutes.

‘We are sorry that Riggs-Long family were unfortunately left for a very short amount of time (2mins and 58 seconds according to CCTV) at the top of the Ferris Wheel and have offered them wristbands and meals to make up for this.

‘A member of staff was at the ride the entire time this was taking place to reassure them we were going to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible, which we did.’